The mission of the Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society, Inc. is to
promote the vegetarian ethic in the Mid-Hudson (New York) region, educate the community
and aid anyone in the pursuit of a totally vegetarian (vegan) cruelty-free and healthful
lifestyle.

Newsletters - Winter 2008 Issue

President's Message 2

It was autumn of 2003. My wife Jen and I were recent
transplants to the Catskills from Wilmington, Delaware. While learning
the byways of our newly adopted home, Jen and I noticed this restaurant
in Greene County, a roadside relic of Catskill bygone glory. There were
lots of aging establishments in the area harkening back to the
Catskills' more posh period. Three things about this spot caught our
eye: A silo towered from the middle of the restaurant; a too-somber
portrait of the King of Rock-n-Roll promised a live Elvis show every
weekend and, at the bottom of the sign was painted, "Vegetarian
Ecstasy."

"Oh, this we have to try," I said to Jen. Or she to me
(you know how it goes when you've been married a while). Here's this
fossilized roadhouse in nowhere (that used to be somewhere) that hasn't
seen a paint job since the actual Elvis was alive, promising "Vegetarian
Ecstasy" in the midst of dairy farm country.

So we went in and asked about the vegetarian
offerings. Under bicentennial-décor wagon wheel chandeliers, a
tobacco-tarnished waitress from the Elvis era handed us a segregated veg
menu, Xeroxed on white paper. "You're with the vegetarian group," she
rasped. I wasn't sure if it was a question or a statement, and, if the
latter, it was some political or social conclusion. "They're meeting in
the other room," she added. We explained that we weren't with them, but
just came in, having seen the sign.

Jen and I had dinner on our own. The vegetarian dishes
were fine, especially given the surroundings, but a little
under-inspired. Basically, Italian gone veg; veal picatta becomes tofu
picatta. Over dinner, we resolved to meet the local vegetarians.

We wandered back to discover a Mid-Hudson Vegetarian
Society restaurant outing still going on. Jen and I were greeted by Joan
Zacharias, our still-beloved former vice-president who has since escaped
to warmer lands and who has created New Tampa Vegans. Next we met the
indefatigable Robbie Schiff, MHVS president, and Rae Schlecht,
foundress.

Over the next few years, Jen and I became more
involved with MHVS. We attended events. I started coming to board
meetings and taking on a steady string of volunteer tasks. Eventually I
joined the board. Upon Joan's departure, I became vice president. Later,
Jen, a teacher by trade, agreed to serve as secretary, "but, only for
the summer." That was nigh onto three years ago now.

This spring, as Robbie completed two, three-year terms
as president, it has become my task, happily and humbly, to serve as the
Veg Society's third president. Following Rae and Robbie, I have some
really big shoes to fill. Which is strange considering they're both
really short women. Anyway, I'll do my best, and will not be without
help. Just as Robbie insisted on continuing strong support and
participation by Rae, I am calling upon Robbie to remain just as
involved and committed now as vice president as she has been through her
recent years as president. No one can match Robbie's phenomenal
investment of time, energy and enthusiasm for MHVS. I am buoyed by the
assurance that her efforts will continue on stride now and for years
more.

Looking ahead, I am hopeful for an ever-growing
membership, volunteer base and community presence for MHVS. The
challenges of unnecessary human health afflictions, a global
environmental precipice dance and an ongoing animal holocaust are
daunting issues to address. Thankfully, we don't have to save the planet
ourselves. We here at MHVS need only help each other and our wider
community to turn, one step at a time, toward a more healthful,
compassionate, and sustainable lifestyle.

I am optimistic. I see people yearning for personal
health and vitality. I see among our neighbors real willingness to make
personal changes to help our environment. I believe all people are, in
the core of their nature, called to compassion for all our fellow
earthlings. Most importantly, I believe I am not alone in this optimism.

I believe MHVS is poised to grow as a community voice
and force for vital change. I, and all of us engaged in MHVS, should
feel proud to have the opportunity to serve as wee local agents for
great progress. As one possible course, take a look at our pitch for
involvement in the story "What's your thing?" To turn optimism into
meaningful action, individual involvement by more (and new) members is
needed. Through MHVS, you can take steps to, "Be the change you wish to
see in the world."